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Can You Add Music After Posting on Instagram? The Definitive Guide

The short answer is both yes and no, depending on what you’re trying to achieve and the type of content you’ve posted. While Instagram doesn’t offer a direct “edit” button to simply slap music onto an existing static photo or video already live on your feed, there are effective workarounds to achieve a similar effect and even add music to Reels or Stories after posting. Let’s dissect the possibilities and explore the nitty-gritty.

Understanding Instagram’s Music Integration

Instagram’s music library is a tightly controlled ecosystem governed by licensing agreements. These agreements dictate how and where music can be used on the platform. The primary avenues for adding music are through Instagram Stories, Reels, and sometimes (but not always) in-feed video posts during the initial upload. The rub comes when you’ve already hit that “Share” button.

Workarounds and Alternative Solutions

So, you’ve posted content sans music, and now you regret it? Don’t despair! Here are your options:

For Static Posts (Photos): Unfortunately, there’s no direct way to add music after the fact. Instagram simply doesn’t allow editing of published photos. Your best bet is to delete the post and re-upload it with the desired music added within an Instagram Story or Reel, then share that to your feed. A slight inconvenience, but it gets the job done.
For Reels (After Posting – The “Draft” Trick): If you forgot to add music to a Reel before posting, there’s a clever trick you can try, provided you’re quick. If the Reel hasn’t gained significant traction (e.g., very few views or likes), you can delete the published Reel, locate the original video in your “Drafts” folder, and then add music before re-uploading. This works because the draft still exists locally, preserving your editing progress (minus the music).
For Stories (Limited Edit Window): With stories, once they’re live, they’re live. There’s no editing. However, you can download the story (before it disappears after 24 hours), add music using a third-party app, and then re-upload it as a new Story. This is more of a re-creation than an edit.
Using Third-Party Apps: Several third-party video editing apps (like InShot, CapCut, or Adobe Premiere Rush) allow you to add music to existing videos. You can then upload this edited video to your Instagram feed as a new post. This is a versatile option that gives you more creative control over your music selection and editing.
Creating a New Post Featuring the Old One: A creative workaround involves sharing a screenshot or screen recording of your original post within a new Story or Reel, and then adding music to that new creation. While it’s not directly editing the original post, it allows you to incorporate music into the experience surrounding your existing content.

The Importance of Planning Ahead

The easiest way to avoid this predicament? Plan your content strategically. Consider the mood and message you want to convey before you post. Create a content calendar and make sure to include audio choices in your workflow. Use the draft feature liberally to save edits before finalizing anything.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here’s a deep dive into common questions about adding music to Instagram content:

1. Why can’t I directly edit my Instagram posts to add music?

Instagram’s architecture and licensing agreements don’t support direct post-publication editing, especially when it comes to music. Music licensing is complex, and changing the audio component of a published post would require renegotiating those licenses, which isn’t feasible on a large scale. The platform prioritizes a more controlled environment where music is added during the initial creation phase.

2. What are the limitations of Instagram’s music library?

Instagram’s music library has restrictions based on copyright and usage rights. Business accounts often face more limitations than personal accounts regarding the types of music available and the length of clips they can use. Always ensure you’re adhering to Instagram’s music guidelines to avoid copyright strikes.

3. Will deleting and re-uploading a post affect its engagement?

Yes, deleting a post and re-uploading it will effectively reset its engagement metrics (likes, comments, shares, etc.). This is a significant downside to this workaround. However, if the post had minimal engagement initially, it might be a worthwhile trade-off to add music.

4. Are there royalty-free music options for Instagram?

Absolutely! Numerous royalty-free music libraries exist online, such as Epidemic Sound, Artlist, and PremiumBeat. These services offer subscription-based access to music that you can use without worrying about copyright infringement. This is particularly crucial for business accounts and influencers.

5. How do I add music to an Instagram Story after recording?

Unfortunately, you can’t directly edit a live Story. You’ll need to download the Story (before it disappears), use a third-party video editing app to add music, and then upload the edited version as a new Story.

6. What happens if I use copyrighted music without permission on Instagram?

Instagram uses sophisticated audio recognition technology to detect copyrighted music. If you use copyrighted music without the necessary permissions, your post may be muted, removed, or your account could face restrictions. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and use royalty-free music or music from Instagram’s approved library.

7. Can I add my own original music to Instagram?

Yes, if you own the rights to the music (or have the necessary permissions), you can upload it to Instagram and use it in your posts. Instagram has a process for music creators to claim their work and make it available for others to use (with proper attribution, if required).

8. What are the best third-party apps for adding music to Instagram videos?

Some of the most popular and user-friendly third-party video editing apps include:

InShot: Known for its ease of use and wide range of features.
CapCut: A free app with advanced editing capabilities.
Adobe Premiere Rush: A professional-grade app that’s more powerful but also more complex.
FilmoraGo: Offers a good balance of features and user-friendliness.

9. How can I share a song I’m listening to on Spotify or Apple Music to my Instagram Story?

Spotify and Apple Music have built-in integration with Instagram. When listening to a song, you can tap the “Share” button within the app and select “Instagram Story.” This will create a Story post with the album art and a link for others to listen to the song on their respective platforms.

10. Does Instagram offer any editing tools for audio within the app?

Yes, Instagram offers basic audio editing tools, such as adjusting the volume of the music and the original audio in your video. You can also trim the music to start at a specific point and fade it in or out.

11. Can I add lyrics to my Instagram Stories with music?

Yes! When you add music to your Instagram Story using the in-app music sticker, lyrics are often automatically displayed. If not, you may have the option to choose a lyric display format, depending on the song.

12. What should I do if my Instagram post with music is flagged for copyright infringement?

If your post is flagged, review the reason provided by Instagram. If you believe the flag is incorrect (e.g., you have permission to use the music), you can file a dispute. Provide documentation proving your rights to use the music. If you don’t have permission, you’ll need to remove the music and potentially re-upload the post with royalty-free music or music from Instagram’s library.

Conclusion

While adding music to an Instagram post after it’s published isn’t a straightforward edit, there are viable workarounds. Whether it’s deleting and re-uploading, leveraging third-party apps, or creatively using Stories, you can still achieve your audio vision. The key is to plan ahead and be mindful of copyright regulations. Mastering these strategies will ensure your Instagram content always hits the right note!